Who might find this choice relevant?

Shoppers who need to avoid an allergen strictly

An ingredient or a warning about possible traces may be decisive for you. So check the exact label first, and only then compare the sugar content.

Shoppers comparing sugars in chocolate flakes

You’ve found several flakes with allergen information that suits your needs, and now want to compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g.

Shoppers also considering chocolate sprinkles

You’re looking for a chocolate topping marketed as a lower-sugar option, and it doesn’t have to be flakes. With chocolate sprinkles, you should still check the ingredients and allergen information for the exact product.

What should you look for in chocolate flakes?

First, check that the pack is suitable for the allergens you need to avoid. Then compare the sugars per 100 g and check the packaging again just before use, even if you’ve already chosen a product online.

What to consider What should you check? Who will find this most important?
Your allergen Check the ingredients, allergen information and any ‘may contain’ warning on the exact pack. If my allergen is on the label, that product is not suitable for me, whatever its sugar content. Around 34% of consumers put this allergen check first.
Sugars Compare the ‘of which sugars’ figures per 100 g for products whose allergen information suits your needs. I want to see how much sugar the flakes contain without mistaking a lower figure for a lower-sugar claim. Around 33% of consumers put this comparison first.
Current packaging Check that the name and variety match your online choice, then read the information on the pack again. When shopping online, I want to be able to choose in advance, but I base my final check on the pack I receive. This is the main concern for around 20% of consumers.
Availability Only check whether a suitable product is available once you’ve checked the allergens and sugar content. I want to be able to find flakes that meet my requirements, without automatically choosing a different variety as a substitute. Around 13% of consumers prioritise this practical consideration.

Common mistakes

  • Assuming ‘plain’ means ‘dairy-free’

    The type of chocolate doesn’t tell you which allergens are in a particular variety of flakes. According to Albert Heijn’s product information, De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur contains soya and may contain milk; AH Pure chocoladevlokken contains milk and lactose.

    Check the ingredients and the separate allergen and ‘may contain’ statements for every variety.

  • Mistaking a lower sugar figure for a lower-sugar claim

    Regular chocolate flakes can vary in their sugar content per 100 g. For example, Albert Heijn’s product pages list 63 g per 100 g for De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur and 65 g per 100 g for AH Pure chocoladevlokken. That difference alone does not make either product a lower-sugar option.

    Compare the nutritional information for the exact products. If a product is labelled ‘light’, check what the claim refers to: according to the Voedingscentrum, it may refer to energy, fat or sugar.

  • Relying on an old product page for your final label check

    Ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. Albert Heijn therefore recommends checking the packaging, even if you’ve already viewed the product online.

    Check the pack you actually buy or receive before using the flakes.

Brands to compare

Jumbo

Jumbo provides product information for products including Jumbo Chocolade Vlokken Puur 300 g.

  • The Jumbo product page lists 63.7 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • This variety has a ‘may contain milk’ warning. The word ‘plain’ in the name doesn’t remove that warning.

De Ruijter

De Ruijter Chocoladevlokken Puur is a specific variety for which Albert Heijn provides nutritional and allergen information.

  • The listed sugar content is 63 g per 100 g.
  • This variety contains soya and may contain milk. Its sugar content doesn’t prove that it is a lower-sugar product.

Choca

Jumbo provides separate nutritional and allergen information for Choca Vlokken 200 g.

  • The product page lists 71 g of sugars per 100 g, so you can compare this variety with other flakes on the same basis.
  • This variety contains wheat and soya, and may contain milk.

Albert Heijn

Albert Heijn provides information for both AH Pure chocoladevlokken and lower-sugar options in its separate chocolate sprinkles category.

  • AH Pure chocoladevlokken are listed as containing 65 g of sugars per 100 g.
  • These flakes contain milk and lactose. A lower-sugar label on chocolate sprinkles doesn’t automatically apply to flakes.

Joybuy products related to this topic

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Does ‘light’ always mean less sugar in a sandwich topping?

No. According to the Voedingscentrum, ‘light’ may refer to energy, fat or sugar. Check what the claim means for the exact product, and also check the sugars per 100 g and the allergens.

Does allergen information have to appear on a pack of chocolate flakes?

Yes. According to the Netherlands Food and Consumer Product Safety Authority, allergen information must appear on the label of prepacked chocolate flakes sold in the Netherlands. Check the information on the pack of the variety you’re buying.

Can I rely only on an online product page if I have a food allergy?

No. Albert Heijn warns that ingredients, nutritional values and allergen information can change. Use the product page to help you choose in advance, but also read the packaging you actually receive.

Does ‘may contain milk’ mean the same as milk in the ingredients list?

No. If milk is in the ingredients list, it has been used as an ingredient; ‘may contain milk’ warns that milk may be present unintentionally. Assess both statements in light of the allergens you need to avoid and the advice that applies to your situation.

Can lower-sugar chocolate sprinkles replace chocolate flakes?

Yes, if you’re happy to use chocolate sprinkles as a different type of chocolate topping. Albert Heijn includes lower-sugar chocolate sprinkles among its sugar-conscious toppings. Compare the nutritional information for the exact variety, and check its ingredients and allergens too.